MONTREAL -- The Montreal Alouettes continued their defensive transformation on Friday, saying goodbye to a pair of veterans from the roster.

Both safety Etienne Boulay and linebacker Diamond Ferri were released shortly after sixk o'clock on Friday evening. The announcement comes just one day after Montreal's pre-season opening loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Boulay played seven seasons for the Als, winning two Grey Cups in the process.

"Étienne has been a solid contributor on and off the field for six years. He loves his teammates, the Alouettes, and the city of Montreal," said Als General Manager Jim Popp in a release.

"From the day we drafted him, he has played where we have needed him. I have always called him the 6th man on the basketball team, which means you do not have to start to be a major contributor. We thank Étienne for his contributions," he added.

The 29-year old was selected in the second round of the 2006 CFL draft, and went to become a Most Outstanding Rookie nominee that same season.

His career with the Alouettes ends with 127 defensive tackles, 43 special teams tackles and 11 interceptions.

"Diamond has been one of our most versatile players and most physical players over the last five years. His style of play has allowed us to make many moves in a course of multiple seasons that gave us a chance to win championships," said Popp.

"Diamond has played running back, linebacker, safety, kick returner, punt returner and special teams during his career. We thank Diamond for his contributions."

In his five years with the Alouettes, the 30-year-old recorded 240 defensive tackles and five interceptions which he returned for 55 yards.

wow! this i find surprising - those two weren't just in the lineup, they were starters most of their careers. must be deep indeed.
but seriously now, you can't top the hilarity of a guy called Diamond Ferri being replaced by someone with an equally excellent name in Bear Woods

June 16, 2012 - 6:23pm

als rule

I: DEEP YES. still have a couple of LBs who are really gems vereen and ingram.

June 16, 2012 - 10:54pm

cflsteve

This has become the latest trend. Another 2 really good football players playing around 6 seasons and around the age of 30 being released. Will be interesting as teams cut down and injuries occur these guys will be waiting for the phone call.

June 16, 2012 - 1:02pm

als rule

CS: totally wrong comment. A S hebert and A LB davis both over 30. so that`s another one of your falsehoods proven wrong yet again. your words another 2 really good football players and I say are now being replaced by 2 even better players: A LB woods and A S hebert. there will be no waiting by any phones.

June 16, 2012 - 10:49pm

Sharky99

Cost cutting!

June 16, 2012 - 10:58am

als rule

S: NO.

June 16, 2012 - 10:36pm

Sharky99

I guess there is no Cap in Montreal and rookies make more than veterans ... All CFL teams do it even the Als ... the Als have to cut somewhere and it looks like the Defense is where it is at.

June 17, 2012 - 12:33pm

als rule

S: try following this bouley is replaced by hebert, ferri replaced by woods and guzman replaced by davis. hebert earns more then boulay, davis earns more guzman and woods may earn the same as ferri!! YES there's a cap in montreal and NO rookies don't earn more then vets. hebert, woods and davis aren't rookies!! als GM popp just has a sharp pencil!! there's NO cut on defence in montreal!! whatever players were cut are replaced by better talented players. payroll was gained in employing 1st year canucks on STs: lavoie, roy, milton, rattan!!

June 17, 2012 - 4:38pm

als rule

ferri replaced by A LB bear woods and boulay replaced by A S kyries hebert.

June 15, 2012 - 10:16pm

als rule

to diamond ferri and etienne boulay best to both of you in your future both on and off the field. thanx for your alouettes service. REMEMBER ONCE AN ALOUETTE ALWAYS AN ALOUETTE.

June 15, 2012 - 10:12pm

Riders668907

I remember a game against the riders a couple seasons ago where diamond ferri got two touchdowns including a punt return td and a pick-six. He also recorded a sack and 6 tackles or something. I hope the als know what they r doing.

June 16, 2012 - 1:09pm

als rule

R668907: YES. just prior to TC A LB guzman was cut. now A LB ferri and A LB akra and FA signing from edmonton A LB mark restelli have all been cut. replacing them A LB woods, A LB

June 16, 2012 - 10:27pm

als rule

continuing from my post that was closed to early. A LB rod davis and watch out for 2 A LBs 6foot 5inch ingram and vereen.

June 16, 2012 - 10:34pm

tabbiefanmcb

Sounds like they must have found some players to replace them who are just as good and possibly cost fewer $$$. They may still catch on with another team especially if injuries during the season leave some gaps to be filled.

June 15, 2012 - 8:51pm

als rule

TFmcb: montreal`s defence STUNK last season. so to this knowledgeable alouette fan none of the changes in new DC jeff reinebold`s defence is SURPRISING. better YES. save money NOT SO SURE. get on with another team now BUT not during the season. ex-als QB ricky santos signs with argos. als also chop 9 others including A LB mark restelli a FA signing from edmonton.

June 16, 2012 - 12:37pm

Riders668907

Taman and the Riders better take a good, long look at this. We need at least one starting LB and BC's receivers had way too much time last game. Taman should think of this as a gift from the Als, they must have great depth at those positions to release these guys.